The Airport Rail Link Bangkok is a mass transit system, connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) with Bangkok city. Taking the airport train is the cheapest and easiest way to get into the city center from Bangkok Airport. Discover a detailed guide to the Bangkok Airport Rail Link with the route map, opening hours and timetable, fare and ticket options, and find tips for using the Airport Link train.
Bangkok Airport Rail Link Train
The Airport Rail Link train line in Bangkok covers a distance of 28 km. The journey from the airport to the last station on the route (Phaya Thai) normally takes less than 30 minutes, making it the fastest way to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city.
The Airport Rail Link is well connected with other Bangkok mass rapid transit systems, and these connections help reach various important areas of the city from the airport very conveniently. The Airport Rail Link train line is connected with the underground MRT Blue Line at Makkasan Station, with the BTS Green Line at Phaya Thai Station, and with the MRT Yellow Line at Hua Mak Station.
Bangkok Airport Rail Link Map
The Bangkok Airport Rail Link currently consists of 8 stations. The most important metro stations on the Bangkok Airport Link route:
A1 Suvarnabhumi - the station at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is the main airport in Bangkok.
A4 Hua Mak - the station connected with the MRT Yellow Line Hua Mak station.
A6 Makkasan - the station connected with the MRT Phetchaburi Station of the MRT Blue Line.
A7 Ratchaprarop - the station in the Pratunam shopping district, close to the famous Pratunam Market.
A8 Phaya Thai - the station connected with BTS Phaya Thai station on the BTS Sukhumvit Line.
The current Bangkok Airport Rail Link map with all the stations on the line can be seen below. For a detailed guide to all the stations on the line, check here: Bangkok Airport Rail Link Map.
Bangkok Airport Rail Link Timetable
The Airport Rail Link Bangkok operates daily from 05:10 to midnight. The train departure frequency depends on the day of the week and the time of the day.
For more details on the train departure schedule, explore the Bangkok Airport Rail Link Timetable.
Bangkok Airport Rail Link Fare
Bangkok Airport Rail Link ticket price for a single journey varies from 15 to 45 THB, depending on the distance (the number of stations traveled). The exact fare for your journey can be found on the Bangkok Airport Train Fare Table at the station.
For more details about the ticket price, check here: Bangkok Airport Rail Link Fare.
Bangkok Airport Train Tickets
Bangkok Airport Rail Link tickets for a single journey can be purchased at ticket vending machines and ticket counters. You can also use a stored-value Airport Rail Link card or the EMV contactless card to pay the fare.
For more details about all ticket options, check here: Bangkok Airport Rail Link Tickets.
Taking the Airport Rail Link Train
When you enter the paid area of the train station, you need to choose the platform. The platforms are named by the last station of the line (Suvarnabhumi and Phaya Thai). Just choose the correct direction and go up to the train by an escalator or lift.
When you get to the platform, you will notice that Airport Rail Link station platforms have yellow arrows in a black background pointing towards the track and black arrows in a yellow background pointing from the track. You should wait in a line behind the yellow arrows on a black background.
The doors of the train will open directly in front of the arrows pointing back from the track, and passengers will disembark the train there.
There’s a map inside the train showing stations on the line. The name of the next station is clearly announced in advance so you have time to prepare for disembarking the train.
If you choose the wrong direction or miss your station, don’t worry and just swap platforms at the next station. You don’t need to buy a new ticket if you just change platforms and don’t leave the station.
Tips
Get a discounted Thailand SIM card with an internet plan at Suvarnabhumi Airport and stay connected during your trip on the Airport Rail Link train. In case your phone is eSIM compatible, book online a Thailand eSIM and use the internet right after landing.
To make traveling on the train more comfortable, leave your unnecessary bags at Suvarnabhumi Airport luggage storage and travel lightly.
If you are landing at Suvarnabhumi and want to take a bus to Pattaya or Hua Hin, you don't need to take the Airport Rail Link train to the city, as there are buses to these destinations that depart directly from the BKK Airport. Bus tickets can be booked online here: Bus tickets at Suvarnabhumi.
The Airport Rail Link is just one part of the complex mass rapid transit system in the Thai capital. To make the most of your visit, get familiar with other metro lines in Bangkok.
